Message from Professor Santa Ono – Vancouver campus incident

If you are a manager of staff whose work is not computer-based, please print this email and display it in a common work area for them to review.

To: Faculty, staff and students in Vancouver

I am shocked and very concerned about yesterday’s assault on a student at Totem Park residence. Right now we are focused on supporting the victim and the victim’s family. We are also deeply concerned for the students who witnessed the assault or who have been affected in any other way and we are providing the help they may need. I appreciate this incident may make some of you feel anxious.

I can reassure you the RCMP has confirmed there is no risk to our community. The suspect is in police custody and has been banned from the UBC campus. The suspect is the subject of an RCMP investigation and faces criminal charges and court proceedings, so we cannot discuss details of the incident.

I would like to thank the RCMP, UBC Campus Security, Residence Life and students at the scene who responded to the incident. I am proud of the collective response of our community members. I urge all of you to reach out to our emergency services on campus should you ever feel in immediate danger by calling 9-1-1.

As president, I am committed to working with senior leaders and all members of the campus community to ensure safety and I can assure you I will remain directly engaged on this matter.